The Claim

In older, mobility-limited women with vitamin D insufficiency, daily supplementation with 4000 IU of vitamin D₃ for 4 months increases total muscle fiber cross-sectional area by approximately 10% compared to a placebo control group, indicating a potential anabolic effect on skeletal muscle.

Source: A randomized study on the effect of vitamin D₃ supplementation on skeletal muscle morphology and vitamin D receptor concentration in older women.

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
61score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

For older women who have trouble moving around and don’t have enough vitamin D, taking a daily vitamin D pill for four months might make their muscle fibers about 10% bigger than if they took a sugar pill — which could mean it helps build muscle.

See the scientific wording

In older, mobility-limited women with vitamin D insufficiency, daily supplementation with 4000 IU of vitamin D₃ for 4 months increases total muscle fiber cross-sectional area by approximately 10% compared to placebo, indicating a potential anabolic effect on skeletal muscle.

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: A randomized study on the effect of vitamin D₃ supplementation on skeletal muscle morphology and vitamin D receptor concentration in older women.

    This study gave older women with low vitamin D a daily pill of 4000 IU of vitamin D for 4 months and found their muscle fibers got about 10% bigger — just like the claim said.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.